Joseph M. Rashan Jr.

RASHAN, JR. Joseph M. Rashan Jr., of Waterford, passed away unexpectedly in the hospital shortly after a surgery on February 17, 2026. He born Jan. 23, 1948, in Bridgeport CT the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Discepolo) Rashan, Sr. He was married almost 50 years to and is survived by artist Carmela Venti Rashan. He leaves behind his son, Alexi and daughter Trinity; sisters Mary O’Toole (Dan); Diane Rashan; Donna V. White, brothers David Rashan (Tara), Steven Rashan (Eileen), James Venti, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joseph was retired from Pfizer, where he worked as an analytical chemist, both in the lab and field in specialty chemicals including oil field products, water desalination, and food science allowing him to travel globally. Recently he was employed by his son’s special needs self-direction program.

He was a quiet, smiling and caring family man who recognized the importance of a good work life balance. He was an avid sports fan of Yankee baseball, UConn basketball and Giants football. He played softball regularly every summer with a Wallingford senior league. When his knees would allow it, he enjoyed skiing, hiking and biking.

He had a BS degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and a MS in environmental science from the University of New Haven. Early in his career, he worked at a Yale lab doing blood studies. He enlisted shortly after in the Air Force during the Vietnam war where he worked as a medic at the base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

He was often seen walking Harkness Park or shopping in the community with his son Alexi. He will be greatly missed. His family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday (March 5) from 5 to 7 p at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 am in St. Paul Church, 170 Rope Ferry Rd., Waterford. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London with military honors.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Camp Harkness Foundation or New England Disabled Sports.

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